Page 55 - From Zero To Hero

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Melinda Looi andmany others.
Soon, Lewré had expanded its business and
presence to more than 20 countries worldwide,
including the many fashion capitals of the world
in Asia, Europe, West Asia and North America.
Lewré’s first concept store opened its doors in1
Utama Shopping Centre inDamansara, Selangor.
Three years later, the brand launched its second
concept store in Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala
Lumpur.The companywas accorded the exclusive
ISO 9001:2000 certification in recognition of
its international standards and quality. One of
its most significant endorsements to date is by
Swarovski Elements in 2004.
To this day, Swarovski Elements are a main
feature in Lewré’s line of exquisite and elegant
couture shoes.
The Man Behind the Shoes –
Dato’ Lewré Lew
Lew begin his journey to success at the early age
of 8, from the day he volunteered to help his
brother tap rubber in order to help the family
make ends meet. Born into a family of fifteen
siblings, he recalls the difficulties faced in his
childhood days.
After completing his secondary education,
Lew wasted no time in thinking about what to do
next. He hoppedon thenext available bus toKuala
Lumpur and joined his older siblings who were
already working in the city centre.
Initially working as temporary assembler at
the Mercedes Assembly Plant, he moved from
responsibilities as a machine operator to a sales
position in a food distribution company.
Soon, he left the food industry and took on a
position selling footwear for another company
for three years. Lew found his true passion when
he joined this shoe company. The natural artistic
inclination in him came to life during this sales
stint. It was through this particular company that
he was discovered by a long-standing client, who
thenoffered tofinance a startup company for him.
He even sold his Nissan Datsun to finance a part
of this startup cost.
26years since its inception, Lewre International
makes designer footwear that is nowawell-known
name globally.
In Lew’s view, there is no answer to what the
measurement of success really is. His recipe is
simple – if one is able to face challenges, however
difficult theymay be, and get through themcalmly
and collectedly, then that is success to him.
“Quitters never win, and winners never quit,”
he says with zest.
Lew aspires to encourage the younger genera-
tion to join the shoe fashion industry. He actively
recruits students from associated design schools
to work for him, and personally mentors them in
their journeys.
The culture at Lewre International is onewhere
everyone needs to be inspired, and also be in a
position to inspire others – from the sweepers to
the topmanagement.
Failures and challenges should only be re-
garded as stepping stones that come before
tasting success. Lew owes his own success to the
myriad of challenges over the years. They have
left him with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom
and strength.
Lewre International stands where it does now
duetotheconsistencyandconfidencethat theteam
has exulted– trusting intheir abilities todeliver the
best of quality, design and comfort to clients from
all over the world.
Dato’ Lewré Lew is fueled
by his passion for the art of
shoemaking